Alabama Soil and Water Blog Spot

  A Sediment Basin struggles enough to capture sediment from the construction stormwater and to reduce turbidity, it should not have to deal with erosion generated AT the sediment basin too.  Runoff into the basin should be stable and the slopes should be covered.   Perry L Oakes, PE Alabama’s Erosion and Sediment Control Program Manager

  As our country continues to develop and urbanize, the next big hurdle is for Green Infrastructure and Low impact Development to be commonplace instead of rare.  We can control the peak discharge, but we likewise must control runoff and use methods to infiltrate the rain back into the soil.  _______________________________________________________________________________________     Clear Water Alabama 2026 :   It’s A Process   We are pleased to announce the 2026 Clear Water Alabama Seminar and Field Day, a premier event dedicated to advancing erosion and sediment control, stormwater management, and water quality protection across Alabama. Dates: September 23–24, 2026 Location: Synergic Center, 3650 5th St, Northport, Alabama 35476 (Tuscaloosa area)   This two-day program brings together professionals, planners, designers, contractors, inspectors, and community leaders for practical education, hands-on learning, and valuable ne...

  Valves can be used on the outlet of a sediment basin; however, they must be properly used.  A valve can be used to store turbid runoff until the water is clean enough for discharge.  A properly used flocculant will reduce the storage time for the basin by quickly reducing turbidity. Always check for upcoming runoff events and make sure the basin has storage available. So, the take home is that a valve on the outlet of a sediment basin requires proper manual operation.   Perry L Oakes, PE Alabama’s Erosion and Sediment Control Program Manager

  Here’s a picture of a silt fence that serves no purpose.  My guess, it was probably installed where identified in the project plans. If a silt fence is not ponding water, it can’t capture coarse soil particles in the runoff.  A silt fence requires proper design to contain its drainage area design storm runoff, proper location on the job site, proper off-set installation, and routine maintenance to be effective in capturing coarse sediment.   Perry L Oakes, PE Alabama’s Erosion and Sediment Control Program Manager

  So, the old saying is that “water is dumb and it’ll go where you direct it”.  In this case, the “directing” was inadequate and the water found its own course.   Perry L Oakes, PE Alabama’s Erosion and Sediment Control Program Manager

  I know there is a LOT wrong in this picture, but what a great location for a small “J” hook or “C” shaped silt fence. Most of the time a straight silt fence is just a diversion.  If a silt fence doesn’t pond runoff, it can’t allow coarse soil particles to settle from suspension.     100 TIPS!!!   I’ve been saving the following image until now.  HA! Perry L Oakes, PE Alabama’s Erosion and Sediment Control Program Manager